Inclusive Education Initiative

Peer coaches are current UMass Boston undergraduate and graduate students. Peer coaches support students enrolled in the Inclusive Education Initiative by promoting friendship development, exploring campus resources, encouraging involvement in clubs and activities, and providing academic support.

UMass Boston students can contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

MA Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) is open to students with severe intellectual disability, autism, or other developmental disability who want to go to college.

For students attending through school district partnerships→ participation is open to students who:

• Have a documented severe intellectual disability, autism, or other developmental disability
• are 18 to 21 years of age, have not passed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam, and are eligible for special education services documented through an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
• are 20 to 21 years of age, have passed MCAS, but are still eligible for special education services through an IEP because of significant functional disabilities and/or transition needs.

For students attending through community partnerships→ participation is open to students who:

Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability
• Are the age of 22 or older
• Did not receive a high school diploma
• Are receiving services from DDS, MassAbility, or other state agencies, and are eligible for state funding to support enrollment.

Students who are eligible for special education services and fit the disability/age requirements above, should contact their school district's transition coordinator to begin the conversation about college-based transition services.

Students who are over the age of 22, and fit the requirements above should contact their adult agency case manager to begin a conversation about attending college.

Prospective students, families, school district staff and adult agency providers may contact us for more information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements.

Dual enrollment

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college classes, either for credit or noncredit, while they are still enrolled in high school. Students use dual enrollment to engage in classes, to prepare for applying to college, with the goal to enroll as a degree-seeking student.

Students who are receiving special education or transition services may utilize a dual enrollment option and receive support.

Inclusive postsecondary education

Inclusive postsecondary education provides access to college for students who would not otherwise qualify for enrollment as a degree-seeking student. Inclusive postsecondary education supports students who may be receiving high school transition services, or services from adult state disability agencies.

Students who are still receiving high school transition services may or may not be working toward their high school diploma. Students who are over the age of 22 and receiving services from state agency providers have not received a high school diploma.

Evidence shows that students benefit academically and transition to young adulthood more independently when they can engage in the array of academic, social, and career development activities alongside their peers on a college campus.

Students benefit by participation in:

• College courses that support their personal, academic, and career goals
• Social activities on campus, including student organizations and other extracurricular activities
• Campus resources, i.e. career services, disability resources, tutoring, etc..
• Person-centered planning
• On-campus internships/ paid work opportunities
• Independent travel and travel training